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Homosassa village sits on the banks of the Homosassa River in an area of natural beauty and unique wildlife. Visitors from all over the world are drawn to attractions in Homosassa, Florida, featuring historical plantations and parks with a variety of activities both on and off the water, nature watching, walks and educational opportunities.

The Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park

The Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, located just off Highway 19 in Homosassa Springs, is home to up to two dozen West Indian manatees; the slow-moving large aquatic mammals, that are an endangered species protected by the reserve. Inside the park, visitors walk along a boardwalk enjoying views of species like cougars, otters, bears, foxes, bobcats and white-tailed deer towards the “fishbowl,” central display, fueled by millions of gallons of water a day pouring into a spring from an underground source which creates a pristine environment for wildlife. As of 2010, the park is open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily and offers a number of daily programs including Wildlife Encounter sessions from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily; Manatee Programs at 11:30 a.m, 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.; and talks about the park’s hippopotamus and American alligators in general at 12:30 p.m. Homosassa Springs Wildlife 4150 South Suncoast Boulevard Homosassa, Florida 34446-1168 (352) 628-5343 manateecam.com

The Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park

The Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park on State Route 490 is the remains of a sugar plantation owned by David Levy Yulee which supplied its products to the Southern troops during the American civil war, a fact which led to its destruction. The surviving chimney, gears and cane press are all that is left of the steam mill which produced sugar for customers all over the Southern states. Picnic facilities are available and pets are welcome. Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park Homosassa, Florida 34448 (352) 795-3817 floridastateparks.org

The Homosassa Riverside Resort and Monkey Island

The Homosassa Riverside Resort is located on the banks of the Homosassa River, north of town. Activities available include manatee-watching tours, fishing trips and views of the nearby Monkey Island, where a group of spider monkeys live on a man-made island. The original purpose of building the island up was to avoid losing more of the town’s boats to hidden rocks in the river, but after a contractor misunderstood instructions it was turned into a sanctuary for primates who entertain guests at the local restaurants. Homosassa Riverside Resort 5297 South Cherokee Way Homosassa, Florida 34448-4424 (352) 628-2578 homosassariverside.net

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About the Author

Jane Ann started writing in 2005 for the magazine "The Practising Midwife." In 2009 she began writing for Demand Studios. Jane is a certified midwife and has a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from New Mexico State University.

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